Maberry one of five in Hall of Fame Class of 2008

Oct 14, 2008

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - Without question, Mark Maberry registered
the single greatest season in Tennessee Tech baseball history,
becoming the first and only player ever named as both the Ohio
Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year and Player of the Year.

Maberry's success wasn't limited to just his senior season, as he
had four solid years in a Golden Eagle uniform for coach David
Mays. That statement is backed by his presence in not only the
school record book for single-season marks, but also the career
records.

As a tribute to his contributions to the baseball program, Maberry
is one of five people who will be enshrined into the Tennessee Tech
Sports Hall of Fame early next month as the school honors its
athletic legacy with the 34th annual induction ceremony.

The 2008 Hall of Fame Class will be honored during Homecoming
weekend, Nov. 7-8. The induction will take place at the Hall of
Fame Dinner Friday evening, and the group will also be recognized
at the Homecoming football game Saturday against Jacksonville
State.

In addition to Maberry, the Class of 2008 includes Chris Hedman,
John "Shakey" McClellan, Rachel Melchiorre and Tom Pack. With their
induction, the Hall of Fame will grow to 148 since it was
established in 1975.

Of course the focus of his career shines on Maberry's exploits in
1997, when he earned those dual awards and was named All-South
Region and All-America. He was also the MVP of the OVC Tournament,
leading Tech to the tournament championship and the Golden Eagles'
first trip to the NCAA Tournament in 40 years.

As a pitcher, he set a school record with 12 wins and 104 innings,
and also led the team with a 2.34 earned run average and 108
strikeouts, third only behind a couple of years by Hall of Fame
pitcher Todd Kemp. He went 12-2, and also had two saves, and his 10
complete games that year is a school record. He led the league in
both wins and ERA.

At the plate, he produced 143 total bases (second in school
history) with 17 home runs (also second in school history). He
drove in a school-record 74 runs, also the top figure in the
OVC.

Over his career, Maberry set the school record for most RBI (153)
which still stands today. His 28 career home runs ties him for
fourth in school history. On the hill, he ranks fourth in career
saves.

Shortly after his playing career ended, he was voted the Tennessee
Tech's Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year for 1996-97, and was
signed to a professional contract by the New York Mets.

Tickets to the Hall of Fame Dinner and the game are available by
calling (931) 372-3940, or through the Athletics ticket office in
Eblen Center. Reservations must be made for the dinner, and tickets
are $25 each.